vengeful

adjective

venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl How to pronounce vengeful (audio)
Synonyms of vengefulnext
: revengeful: such as
a
: seeking to avenge
b
: serving to gain vengeance
vengefully adverb
vengefulness noun

Examples of vengeful in a Sentence

The robbery was committed by a vengeful former employee. The fire was a vengeful act of destruction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She’s also consumed by vengeful rage, much of it directed at the unstable assassin Bullseye (Wilson Bethel). Bob Strauss, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 She’s also consumed by vengeful rage, much of it directed at the unstable assassin Bullseye (Wilson Bethel). Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 24 Mar. 2026 Should anyone ever find themselves in a real jam, like imprisonment by a vengeful pharaoh or life-threatening thirst, God pops by long enough to get the story back on track. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026 Even before the positive results are in, Matteo turns out to be a chip off the old block by joining McGee in apprehending the kidnapper, a vengeful TURF staff cook. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vengeful

Word History

Etymology

venge + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vengeful was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Vengeful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vengeful. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

vengeful

adjective
venge·​ful ˈvenj-fəl How to pronounce vengeful (audio)
: wanting revenge
vengefully adverb
vengefulness noun

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